Charlie Kirk was murdered this past week. We all know about it from various media sources. Now, social media is filled with tributes and memorials, but also anger, finger-pointing, and even celebration. Although the alleged killer has been taken into custody, lines are drawn, and the fight rages on across political and social lines. It’s the human condition. It is human weakness.
I, too, am angered and saddened by it all. I, too, am tempted to take a side and fight like hell. But, then there is this: Charlie Kirk was a Christian who spoke with conviction, clarity, facts, and courage. As a disciple of Christ, he spoke with wisdom and confidence on the issues of today. He spoke with grace, respect, and compassion. As a disciple, he fully accepted the mission to evangelize the culture. He understood the necessity of meeting people where they were at – spiritually, emotionally, mentally. For example, he knew that quoting scripture to a self-professed atheist was not productive. Instead, he understood how to meet folks with logic, statistics, and facts. Seeds were planted, and if any of his opponents opened their minds and hearts just enough, those seeds have a chance to grow. We may never know.
Speaking of open-mindedness, Mr. Kirk demonstrated this through his own faith. As an evangelical, he was brave enough to highlight that Protestants and Evangelicals have overlooked or forgotten the significance of Mary, the mother of Jesus. He regarded her as the model of womanhood. He observed the wave of young adults turning to Catholicism, noting their desire for order and clarity.
He was also human and imperfect, but I would love to have an ounce, just a mustard seed size, of the courage and strength he had to proclaim the truth. I long to live out my womanhood as exemplified by Mary, and to do so with the love and compassion of Christ.
Now that we have seen what modern-day discipleship in the secular world might look like, let us all pray for a mustard-seed of faith, wisdom, knowledge, courage, and compassion to move mountains, as Jesus promised we would. Like Mr. Charlie Kirk did.
Sylvia M. Olberding 